According to a new video circulating social media, Darius Jackson, Keke Palmer‘s ex-boyfriend and the father of her son, has enlisted in the U.S. Army. A livestream clip involving Jackson, 30, and a few others surfaced on Sunday (Dec. 8), with him explaining his plans in the service. Jackson shares that he signed a four-year contract but contemplates completing 20 years. “I’m four right now because I have some plans after this,” says Darius. “But I want to see how my experience is… I don’t know yet.”
The information surrounding Darius Jackson’s enlistment is vague. He does mention his son in the conversation with plans to stay in the service to supply him with future benefits. “I paid attention in that finance class,” he said when it was brought up that children get benefits for 20 years of service. “I was thinking, ‘I see why people just go ahead and do it… I’m indecisive right now, tho.” Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson broke up in November 2023. They co-parent their son born in February 2023.
In October, Keke Palmer detailed her “unhealthy relationship” with Jackson to People. “There was a lot going on,” she reflects. “The relationship had become unhappy and unhealthy.” After establishing joint custody of their son, she shares a new different perspective on the relationship. Reflecting on the experience, she writes in her book, “I wish I could say he was terrible the entire time, or that I was. But it wasn’t that simple.” Her goal, she says, is to ensure her son grows up with a balanced understanding of his parents. “I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster—because I don’t.”
Palmer stars in the upcoming comedy film One of Them Days, co-starring SZA. The film, which features Kat Williams and is produced by Issa Rae, will hit theaters nationwide on January 24. SZA promised a new album in 2024.
Big Sean and Tyler Perry found an unexpected but heartening connection via the latter’s upcoming film The Six Triple Eight, which plays in select theaters starting Friday (December 6) before streaming on Netflix starting December 20. On Tuesday (December 3), the Detroit rapper attended a screening for the movie alongside his mother, and spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his vested interest in it. Moreover, he and his mom held a picture of their grandmother and he thanked the director and media mogul for telling the story she’s a part of. For those unaware, The Six Triple Eight tells the story of the Charity Adams-led 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a predominantly Black unit of the U.S. Women’s Army Corps at the end of World War II.
Big Sean’s grandmother was one of 855 non-white women who served in this unit. “Just the impact, I’m just so, so thankful. I told Tyler Perry, when I talked to him, how thankful I was because it’s kind of such an overlooked, crucial piece of American history and Black history,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “The Six Triple Eight [6888] battalion connected millions and millions – over, like, 17 million pieces of mail – where there was no other means of communication to families and information and just loved ones.
.@BigSean shares with THR his personal connection to the 6888th battalion as seen in Tyler Perry’s #TheSixTripleEight:
“I’m proud of them, not just my grandmother…I was so happy to be raised by such strong Black women that are embedded in my DNA” pic.twitter.com/84fm24N6pf
“They were fighting their own war being, you know, strong Black women during segregation and fighting for their country,” Big Sean continued. “So I’m just proud of them. Not just my grandmother, proud of all of them. I was so happy to be raised by such strong Black women that are, like, embedded in my DNA and I’m forever grateful for it. And It’s a super emotional night. My grandma was incredible, and I’m sure all of these women [were].”
Meanwhile, Big Sean has more big things on the way, and it looks like the “It Is What It Is” MC is really enjoying his recent moves and experiences. As for Tyler Perry, we will see how this film lands with audiences, although from Sean’s words, it sounds like an inspiring holiday flick. Here’s to the Six Triple Eight and all the Black females living their best lives.
Mia Khalifa is someone who has proven to be controversial over the years. Overall, the former adult film star is someone who has no issue making waves with her comments. For instance, she caught a lot of flack months ago for her take on the Israel and Palestine situation. She wants a free Palestine, however, she also said that she stands with what Hamas is doing. Many took issue with her support for the political group and it ultimately led to her losing some of her brand deals.
Furthermore, she recently did an interview with Ziwe where she compared joining the army to OnlyFans. In fact, she made the claim that the army is actually worse than OnlyFans. When she made this claim, a lot of people were upset. After all, the internet is extremely hostile towards sex workers. Moreover, Americans are very protective of their institutions, such as the military. However, today, inexplicably, the clip of her talking about the army has resurfaced, and people are getting mad all over again.
In the comments section of the post above, one person wrote “I’ll always respect a soldier more than a pornstar.” Another person wrote “And she sold her body to millions.” Despite all of the mean-spirited comments, there were some people out there who defended her take. “She right tho… imagine DYING for a country that has does nothing but create the problems that caused your deaths…” a commenter wrote. “Facts coming back home like Popeye and potential PSTD ain’t worth it, but at least she can start some generational wealth from what she does,” said another.
While Khalifa may continue to have polarizing takes, there are people out there who will always agree. Let us know what you think of her comparison of the Army and OnlyFans, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed.
We’ll admit a rapper in uniform is not something most expect ever to see. Surprisingly though, several rappers were once in the military. Whether before or after embarking on their musical journey, these MCs have served at some point in their lives. Not many artists have navigated the challenging terrains of the music industry and military service. After all, either of the two options is tough enough on its own, so why move from one to the other?
Well, most of these rappers only had brief stints with the military and joined because they had to. Only a handful actually joined because they wanted to, for whatever reason. Nevertheless, they all count. Out of an ever-growing crop of rappers, here are seven who have served in the military before.
NEW YORK – JULY 30: Rapper Malice of Clipse performs on stage at the Diesel U Music 2009 NYC Tour at Webster Hall on July 30, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
One half of the Hip Hop duo Clipse, No Malice first joined the military before becoming a renowned MC. After finishing high school, the rapper was uncertain about his future, and how to take control of it. Especially considering that he had a child on the way, No Malice had to do something for money. Also, it had to be something good enough to help him take care of his growing family.
In a 2015 interview with MTV News, the rapper disclosed, “I was looking for stability. I needed it, something that was honest money and something you could count on, benefits and things of that nature. It also [allowed] me to go to school and learn a trade.” Subsequently, he became a member of the United States Army and served a two-and-a-half-year term. Although he did not re-enlist, his time there makes him one of the few rappers who were in the military. After leaving, he went on to form Clipse in 1992 with his brother, Pusha T.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 02: Freddie Gibbs performs during the ACL Music festival at Zilker Park on October 02, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/FilmMagic)
In his younger years, the talented rapper Freddie Gibbs got into trouble often. Although he got into university on an athletic scholarship, the rapper was unfortunately expelled before he finished. Subsequently, at the age of 19, he was placed on trial for theft and gun charges. Even being the rebel that he was, Gibbs had to follow orders if he wanted to get himself out of that mess. As such, to avoid jail time, he was enlisted into a pre-trial program run by the US Army. However, eight months in, Gibbs was dishonorably discharged for being caught smoking marijuana.
Canibus
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 10: Rapper Canibus (aka Germaine Williams) appears in a portrait taken on August 10, 1998 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The tale of Canibus’ entry into the military is unusual because it happened after he had become a rapper. Following the release of his solo debut album, he began making waves in the industry in the late ‘90s. He continued to do so until 2002, when he unexpectedly joined the US Army. In a 2021 interview on the Bootleg KevPodcast, Canibus explained that he had been blackballed by some publications prior to his enlistment.
As a result, he felt like he needed to take some time off. It was due to the disdain he was beginning to feel towards the music industry. Canibus shared on the podcast, “The way I felt at that juncture was like, ‘You know what, rap ain’t it, I’m still young enough to go out and make a difference.” Afterward, he joined the Army, serving for two years before being discharged for smoking marijuana, like Freddie Gibbs.
Shaggy, portrait backstage at TMF Awards, Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 7th April 2001. (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns)
Before turning 20 in 1988, Shaggy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The Jamaican-American rapper had arrived in the States a year before and immediately tried pushing his musical career. However, despite enjoying moderate success, he could barely find any work. Subsequently, he decided to do something more productive and joined the Marine Corps. He served there during the Gulf War and rose in ranks to become a lance corporal. After leaving the Marines, he released one of his biggest hits, “Oh Carolina,” in 1993.
LOS ANGELES – CIRCA 2001: Musician Nate Dogg poses for a portrait session in circa 2001 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Estevan Oriol/Getty Images)
The late King of Hooks, Nate Dogg is on the short list of rappers who have served in the military. He did so at 17 when he dropped out of high school. Subsequently, he left his hometown and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Eventually, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he served for four years. Although the reason remains unknown, Nate Dogg was dishonorably discharged in his fourth year of service.
MC Hammer
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 08: MC Hammer speaks onstage during Capitol Music Group’s 5th annual Capitol Congress Premieres new music and projects for industry and media at Arclight Cinemas Hollywood on August 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Capitol Music Group)
MC Hammer is one of the most famous rappers who was once in the military. He joined the US Navy and became a veteran. While he later moved on to achieve worldwide fame with his music, MC Hammer made a fine Naval officer. He diligently served in the Navy for three years, reaching the rank of petty officer third class. Afterward, he was honorably discharged and has focused on music since.
Ice-T
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 15: Ice-T speaks on the Keynote Q&A: Ice-T panel onstage during IEBA 2017 Conference on October 15, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for IEBA)
Hip Hop veteran Ice-T served in the US Army for four years before moving on to achieve fame with his music. Following the birth of his daughter, the rapper enlisted in the Army in 1977, joining for financial benefits. Subsequently, he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division for the following four years. While in the Army, he rose to Private First Class.
Since she first rose to fame for those controversial porn videos years ago, Mia Khalifa has done a lot to rehabilitate her image. She’s facing bans from some countries in the Middle East and has many haters with high religious standards. However, that hasn’t stopped the entertainer from using her platform to speak about important world issues. Even if Khalifa has critics around the globe, her influence still counts for something as she’s got millions of Twitter followers who she recently shared her thoughts on taking a career as an OnlyFans content creator versus signing up for the Army with.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the model is sharing updates and thought-provoking posts with her audience. Interestingly, some of them even played a part in losing her partnership with Playboy. When responding to a tweet about the war in Iraq and how all this fighting seems to be under the guise of killing innocent people, Khalifa shared a clip from her past interview with Ziwe. “If we’re going by that definition, being in the Army is worse than being on OnlyFans,” the 30-year-old suggested.
“You’re selling your body to the government,” Khalifa reminded those interested in signing up for the military. In the video above, a TikTok user who seemingly sold themselves to higher political powers stitched her original post only to scowl at the camera before giving her words some serious thought. To be fair, Mia has a valid point, though we’re sure not everyone is open-minded enough to see it that way.
She may not be creating X-rated content in the same capacity she did years ago, but Mia Khalifa isn’t afraid to flaunt what she’s got. Earlier this fall, the brown-haired beauty went viral for unzipping her top to reveal some serious cleavage in public while quoting Megan Thee Stallion lyrics. Check that salacious video out at the link below, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Recently, Yungeen Ace’s beef with Foolio got him into some trouble. Foolio had shared a clip of Yungeen Ace, claiming that it showcased the rapper “snitching.” The origins of the clip remain unclear, however, he took to social media to refute the claims. He showed off paperwork during a live stream that apparently proved Foolio wrong, but it the process, leaked a pretty critical piece of information about himself. Yungeen Ace accidentally broadcasted his social security number to the world.
Now, one can imagine that this got a lot of attention online, and trolls took it and ran. The performer recently hopped on social media again, revealing that people have even been signing him up for the army. “Ay on some real sh*t bro,” he told viewers. “Stop signing me up for the f*cking army, bro. Real sh*t, stop doing that sh*t.”
The duo’s beef doesn’t show any sign of slowing down for the moment, and things have gotten pretty ugly in the past. When Yungeen Ace’s friend JayDaYoungan passed away in 2022, for example, Foolio took the opportunity to diss him. He then claimed that JayDaYoungan had befriended his opps, which is why he made sarcastic comments about his death. “Now you dissing me in songs, saying F my dead homeboys, this and that. How I’mma feel? I’m supposed to sit back, be quiet. Don’t say nothin’? If it was me, on the other end, n***a would’ve done the same thing,” he explained.
The public even appears to have used their beef to their advantage. Last year, a woman found Foolio’s ID, and took to social media to do some negotiating. She threatened that if the rapper didn’t give her $10K, she’d give the ID which featured his address to Yungeen Ace. Keep an eye on HNHH for more news and updates.
(@nojumper)
